Accessible work over platform with outrigger system, apparatus, and method

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a work over platform apparatus, system, and method of use with trenches and cellars. The apparatus includes two platform portions joined at the center by a set of hinges. The set of hinges is divided to allow for cutouts in each of the platform portions. When deployed the cutout portions are aligned to form an opening that allows work personnel to access the cellar through the work over platform. The work over platform may be collapsed along its hinges for compact transport to and from a work site. The system includes multiple apparatuses positioned adjacent to one another along the same cellar. Outriggers for guidelines are positioned in a novel spider leg fashion to allow greater accessibility to the platform by vehicles. The method includes deploying, using, and collapsing the apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Field of Disclosure

The present disclosure relates to oil field maintenance, and specifically to a portable working platform for performing maintenance on production oil wells equipped with a containment cellar.

2. Description of the Related Art

Work over platforms are used in maintenance operations for production wells. Typically, production facilities are located below grade with well heads that protrude from the ground into a subsurface containment cellar. Often, drilling or development platforms are placed over the cellar to provide a working surface for vehicles, equipment, and personnel during maintenance or work over operations. Drilling platforms used in work overs typically weigh between 80,000 and 100,000 pounds (36.4 to 45.5 metric tons) and must be transported to the oil well cellar in pieces.

During work over operations, the drilling platform pieces are transported to the worksite on multiple flatbed trailers, offloaded, and assembled to form a completed platform that is then placed over the oil well cellar using a heavy duty crane. The completed platform includes an opening that is aligned with the well head to allow access for the work over equipment and personnel. One or more ramps are attached to the platform so that equipment trucks may drive onto the platform to position equipment for the well work over operation, and rails may be used to restrict access to the platform. Due to the size and weight of the drilling platform, the assembly may take one to two days, and disassembly requires a similar length of time. Work over operations may be completed in as little as one day.

A shortcoming of typical oil well work over platforms is that they are extremely large and heavy. The former drilling or development well platforms are difficult to manipulate and heavy, often requiring extensive crane time and costs for installation and removal, and a crane rated for handling a platform.

Another shortcoming of existing oil well work over platforms is that they are bulky, requiring disassembly into multiple segments for transportation on multiple semi-trailer trucks. When multiple well heads are arranged together at a job site, the bulk of the drilling platform prevents work over operations from taking place on adjacent well simultaneously.

Another shortcoming of existing oil well work over platforms is that they require extensive assembly and disassembly for installation and removal, which can take a day to set up and a day to breakdown. All of this assembly and disassembly time is consumed for a work over project that typically takes only one to two days.

Another shortcoming of existing oil well work over platforms is that they only provide limited approaches to the platform, often because vehicles must travel up a ramp to get onto the platform. Accessibility to the platform by vehicles is difficult with current platforms.

Another shortcoming of existing oil well work over platforms is that adjacent wells cannot be worked simultaneously using a pair of platforms.

What is needed is a work over platform that can be transported and installed preassembled and removed without disassembling the platform, while being portable enough for transport on a single flatbed trailer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In aspects, the present disclosure is related to an apparatus and method for performing work over operations on an oil well, specifically a work over platform and its use.

One embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a work over platform apparatus for installation over a trench, such as an oil field cellar, comprising: a platform including a first portion having a first cutout; a second portion having a second cutout; and a hinge system disposed between the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first cutout and the second cutout form an opening through the platform when the first portion and the second portion are aligned to form a planar surface. The hinge system may include a first hinge disposed on one side of the opening; and a second hinge disposed on the other side of the opening. The platform may be collapsible along the hinge system. The apparatus may include a cover disposed over the hinges and configured to allow movement of the first portion relative to the second portion. The first and second portions may be polygonal in shape when the first portion and the second portion form a planar surface. One or more of the polygonal side may include one or more attachment plates for coupling equipment or an outrigger. The opening may have a center that is offset from a center of the platform. The first and second cutouts may have their own doors or covers to block at least part of the opening. When folded, the apparatus can be transported on a commercial flatbed trailer.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a method of using a work over platform on a trench, the work over platform including a first portion having a first cutout; a second portion having a second cutout; and a hinge system disposed between the first portion and the second portion; wherein the first cutout and the second cutout form an opening through the platform when the first portion and the second portion are aligned to form a planar surface; the method including the steps of: moving the hinge system to an open position to form the opening; locking the hinge system into the open position; positioning the opening over a well head in the trench; unlocking the hinge system; and moving the hinge system into a closed position. The method may also include the steps of: transporting the platform to a work site in the closed position; positioning the work platform over the trench; and lifting the platform in the closed position onto a transport vehicle. The method may also include the steps of: inserting safety rails around part of a perimeter of the platform; removing the safety rails from around the part of a perimeter of the platform; and transporting the platform off of the work site. The method may also include the steps of: connecting an outrigger to the platform; and disconnecting the outrigger from the platform. The method may also include the step of conducting work over operations on the well head. The closed position of the platform may be when the first and second portions are parallel and facing one another. The locking step may include inserting a locking pin into a locking mechanism coupled to the hinge system, and wherein unlocking the hinge system comprises removing a locking pin from the locking mechanism coupled to the hinge system.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a work over platform system for installation over a trench that includes a first platform made up of: a first platform first portion having a first platform first cutout; a first platform second portion having a first platform second cutout; and a first platform hinge system disposed between the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion; wherein the first platform first cutout and the first platform second cutout form a first platform opening through the first platform when the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion are aligned to form a first platform planar surface; and a second platform disposed adjacent to the first platform, the second platform made up of: a second platform first portion having a second platform first cutout; a second platform second portion having a second platform second cutout; and a second platform hinge system disposed between the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion; wherein the second platform first cutout and the second platform second cutout form a second platform opening through the second platform when the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion are aligned to form a second platform planar surface.

Another embodiment according to the present disclosure includes a method of using a work over platform system on a trench, the work over platform system including a first platform including a first platform first portion having a first platform first cutout; a first platform second portion having a first platform second cutout, where the first platform first portion and first platform second portion are polygonal in shape when each of the first platform first portions and the first platform second portions form respective planar surfaces; a first platform hinge system disposed between the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion, where the first platform first cutout and the first platform second cutout form first platform opening through the first platform when the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion are aligned to form a first platform planar surface; one or more first platform attachment plates attached to at least one of the polygonal sides of each of the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion; and a pair of first platform outriggers each attached to a set of the one or more first platform attachment plates; and a second platform including: a second platform first portion having a second platform first cutout; a second platform second portion having a second platform second cutout, where the second platform first portion and second platform second portion are polygonal in shape when each of the second platform first portions and the second platform second portions form respective second platform planar surfaces; a second platform hinge system disposed between the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion, where the second platform first cutout and the second platform second cutout form a second platform opening through the second platform when the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion are aligned to form a second platform planar surface; one or more second platform attachment plates attached to at least one of the polygonal sides of each of the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion; and a pair of second platform outriggers each attached to a set of the one or more second platform attachment plates; the method including the steps of: setting up the first platform over the trench; setting up the second platform over the trench and adjacent to the first platform; attaching the pair of first platform outriggers to the set of one or more first platform attachment plates; attaching the pair of second platform outriggers to the set of one or more second platform attachment plates, where the set of one or more second platform attachment plates on the second platform are facing the opposite side the second platform relative to the set of one or more first platform attachment plates; setting up work over equipment using the first platform opening; setting up work over equipment using the second platform opening; positioning a plurality of first platform cover plates over the first platform opening to form a first cover plate opening; positioning a plurality of second platform cover plates over the second platform opening to form a second cover plate opening. The method may also include performing work over operations through the first cover plate opening and the second cover plate opening simultaneously. The setting up of the first and second platforms may include: moving the first platform to the trench; moving the first platform hinge system to an open position to form the first platform opening; locking the first platform hinge system into the open position; positioning the first platform opening over a first well head in the trench; moving the second platform to the trench; moving the second platform hinge system to an open position to form the second platform opening; locking the second platform hinge system into the open position; and positioning the second platform opening over a second well head in the trench. The method may also include: unlocking the first platform hinge system; moving the first platform hinge system into a closed position; unlocking the second platform hinge system; and moving the second platform hinge system into a closed position.

Examples of the more important features of the disclosure have been summarized rather broadly in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood and in order that the contributions they represent to the art may be appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the disclosure that will be described hereinafter and which will form the subject of the claims appended hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a detailed understanding of the present disclosure, reference should be made to the following detailed description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements have been given like numerals, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of a work over platform with a circular opening in the fully open position according to one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 1 in the fully collapsed position;

FIG. 2B shows a top view of the work over platform of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C shows a side view diagram of a hinge from FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2D shows a diagram of the locking mechanism with locking pin form the work over platform of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of another work over platform with a rectangular opening in the fully open position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of one portion of the work over platform of FIG. 3 showing the topside of the portion;

FIG. 4B shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform portion from FIG. 4A flipped to show the bottom side of the portion;

FIG. 5 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 3 with an outrigger attached;

FIG. 6A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 3 disposed over an oil well cellar flow chart and supporting work over equipment; and

FIG. 6B shows a top view diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of another work over platform with a rectangular opening in the fully open position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart for a method of operating the work over platforms of FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 shows a diagram of another work over platform with a rectangular opening in the fully open position according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 9 with a pair of outriggers attached;

FIG. 11 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of a work over platform system including a pair of work over platforms with outriggers attached of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the work over platform of FIG. 11 disposed over an oil well cellar and supporting work over equipment; and

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart for a method of operating the work over platform system of FIG. 12 according to one embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, the present disclosure relates to oil field maintenance. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to a portable working platform for performing maintenance on production oil wells equipped with a containment cellar

There are shown in the drawings, and herein will be described in detail, specific embodiments of the present disclosure with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the present disclosure to that illustrated and described herein.

FIG. 1 shows a work over platform apparatus 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The apparatus 100 may include a first portion 110 and a second portion 115. In some embodiments, the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 are symmetrical with one another. The first portion 110 includes a top working surface 120 with a cutout section 130. In one embodiment, the cutout section 130 is shown as a half circle. The second portion 115 also includes a top working surface 125 with a cutout section 135. The cutout sections 130, 135 are configured to complement one another and form an opening 170 through the apparatus 100 when the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 are aligned to form a planar surface. In some embodiments, the planar surface may be defined by the top working surface 120 of the first portion 110 and the top working surface 125 of the second portion 115. The opening 170 may be in the center of the apparatus 100 or offset.

The apparatus 100 includes a hinge system attached to and between the first portion 110 and the second portion 115. The hinge system includes a first hinge 140 and may include an optional second hinge 145. When the first hinge 140 and the second hinge 145 are present, they are disposed or positioned opposite one another on either side of the center of the opening 170. The first hinge 140 is shown as shorter in length than the second hinge 145; however, the first hinge 140 and the second hinge 145 may be the same or different lengths. The varying lengths of the hinges 140, 145 may depend on whether the opening 170 is in the center of the apparatus 100 or offset. While the hinges 140, 145 are shown extending from an edge of the opening 170 to an edge of the combine portions 110, 115, it is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, one or both of the hinges 140, 145 may not extend to full distance between the edge of the opening 170 and the respective edge of the combined portion 110, 115. Locking mechanism 175 may be disposed on the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 adjacent to the hinges 140, 145 and configured to receive a pin to lock the hinges 140, 145 in an open position when the apparatus 100 is deployed. When the locking mechanism 175 is engaged, the apparatus 100 is prevented from closing during repositioning, thus mitigating the risk of the apparatus closing along the hinges 140, 145 inadvertently. The apparatus 100 is shown as octagonal in shape to provide multiple access faces 165 for work vehicles to approach the apparatus 100 during work over operations; however, the apparatus 100 is not limited to an octagonal form. When the opening 170 is offset from the center of the apparatus 100, the access faces 165 provide different distances between the edges of the top layers 120, 125 and the opening 170, which provides flexibility to the user for controlling the distances between vehicles or structures adjacent to the apparatus 100 and the opening 170. This means that adjusting the placement of the apparatus 100 relative to a well head can avoid a situation where a vehicle has to be parked on the apparatus 100 in order for equipment to be operated or offloaded to reach the opening 170. Rectangular, hexagonal, and other polygonal shapes may be used as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

Each of the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 include the top layer 120, 125, which may be supported by multiple layers constructed of materials to support work over equipment, work over stresses, and personnel on the apparatus 100. Correspondingly, the hinges 140 and 145 are also constructed of materials designed to endure the same conditions. In some embodiments, the apparatus 100 may be constructed to support at least 200,000 pounds (90.9 metric tons) in order to support the weight of equipment, pull stresses for moving tubulars through a well head, and personnel. In some embodiments, the designed weight supported by apparatus 100 may be increased or decreased based on the desired application.

As shown, each of the portions 110, 115 may include a bottom layer 150 and one or more intermediate layers 155. The layers 110, 115, 150, 155, 160 may be supported by vertical members 160 to provide structural strength. While the top layers 120, 125 may be substantially continuous to prevent equipment or personnel from falling through the apparatus 100, the one or more intermediate layers 155 and the bottom layer 150 may be continuous surfaces or include open areas to reduce the overall mass of the apparatus 100. Substantially continuous surfaces include solid surface and grillwork, which allows airflow but prevents persons and hand tools from falling through. In some embodiments, the layers 110, 115, 150, 155 and the vertical members 160 may be constructed of steel; however, it is contemplated that any sufficiently strong materials to provide the structural strength required is suitable, as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

FIG. 2A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the apparatus 100 in a folded or collapsed position. The apparatus 100 may be collapsed for ease of transport to and from the work site. The bottom layer 150 is shown without having a continuous surface to reduce weight of the apparatus 100. The structure of the hinges 140, 145 can be seen in this view. The hinge 140 may include a leaf or hinge plate 210 a, a hinge plate 210 b, a set of knuckles 220 a, and a set of knuckles 220 b. The hinge plate 210 a may be welded to the set of knuckles 220 a or the hinge plate 210 a and the set of knuckles 220 a may be formed from a single piece of metal. The hinge plate 210 b may be welded to the set of knuckles 220 b or the hinge plate 210 b and the set of knuckles 220 b may be formed from a single piece of metal. The sets of knuckles 220 a, 220 b may be spaced such that they may interlace to form a barrel 240. The barrel 240 may include a pin 230 to secure the two sets of knuckles 220 a, 220 b. The hinge plate 210 a may be connected to the first portion 110, and the hinge plate 210 b may be connected to the second portion 115. The hinge 145 may be similar in structure with a leaf or hinge plate 215 a, a hinge plate 215 b, a set of knuckles 225 a, and a set of knuckles 225 b. The hinge plate 215 a may be welded to the set of knuckles 225 a or the hinge plate 215 a and the set of knuckles 225 a may be formed from a single piece of metal. The hinge plate 215 b may be welded to the set of knuckles 225 b or the hinge plate 215 b and the set of knuckles 225 b may be formed from a single piece of metal. The sets of knuckles 225 a, 225 b may be spaced such that they may interlace to form a barrel 245. The barrel 245 may include a pin 235 to secure the two sets of knuckles 225 a, 225 b. The hinge plate 215 a may be connected to the first portion 110, and the hinge plate 215 b may be connected to the second portion 115. FIG. 2B shows a top view of the apparatus 100.

FIG. 2C shows a side view diagram of the hinge 140 with the barrel 240 reinforced by a support 250. FIG. 2D shows a diagram of the locking mechanism 175 with the locking pin 260 in the locked position.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of another work over platform apparatus 300 with a rectangular opening 370. Similar to the apparatus 100, the apparatus 300 includes a first portion 310 and a second portion 315, though of different shapes from the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 to provide a differently shaped opening 370. In some embodiments, the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 are symmetrical with one another. The first portion 310 includes a top working surface 320 with a cutout section 330. The cutout section 330 is shown as a rectangle. The second portion 315 also includes a top working surface 325 with a cutout section 335. The cutout sections 330, 335 are configured to complement one another and form the opening 370 through the apparatus 300 when the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 are aligned to form a planar surface. In some embodiments, the planar surface may be defined by the top working surface 320 of the first portion 310 and the top working surface 325 of the second portion 315. The opening 370 may be in the center of the apparatus 300 or offset. One or more doors 380, 385 may be disposed along the cutout sections 330, 335. The doors 380, 385 may be opened or closed as desired. In the closed position, the doors 380, 385 may completely cover the opening 370. The doors 380, 385 may be connected to the first portion 310 and the second portion 315, respectively, with hinges (see FIG. 4A). As shown, each of the doors 380, 385 is made up of sets of three doors that may be opened or closed independently. This is exemplary and illustrative only, as any number of doors may be used with the apparatus 300. Further, while not shown in FIG. 1, half-moon or half circle doors may be mounted to the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 in some embodiments.

The apparatus 300 includes a hinge system attached to and between the first portion 310 and the second portion 315. The hinge system, shown on FIG. 4A, includes a first hinge 340 and may include an optional second hinge 345. When the first hinge 340 and the second hinge 345 are present, they are disposed or positioned opposite one another on either side of the center of the opening 370. The first hinge 340 is shown as shorter in length than the second hinge 345; however, the first hinge 340 and the second hinge 345 may be the same or different lengths. The varying lengths of the hinges 340, 345 may depend on whether the opening 370 is in the center of the apparatus 300 or offset. While the hinges 340, 345 are shown extending from an edge of the opening 370 to an edge of the combine portions 310, 315, it is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, one or both of the hinges 340, 345 may not extend to full distance between the edge of the opening 370 and the respective edge of the combined portion 310, 315. In some embodiments, the hinges 340, 345 may include the same arrangement of components as the hinges 140, 145. The hinges 340, 345 may be covered by protective covers 396, 398 when the apparatus 300 is in an open position with the portions 340, 345 lying flat. In some embodiments, the protective covers 396, 398 must be removed before the apparatus 300 is moved into a closed position with the portions 340, 345. In some embodiments, the protective cover 396, 398 may be made of segmented metal to allow flexing during the deployment and collapse of the apparatus 300. The protective cover 396, 398 may be configured and include materials to protect personnel working above the hinges 340, 345 to reduce the chance of tripping or equipment falling into the or below the hinges 340, 345.

Locking mechanism 375 may be disposed on the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 adjacent to the hinges 340, 345 and configured to receive a locking pin 260, just as the locking mechanism 175 to lock the hinges 340, 345 in an open position when the apparatus 300 is deployed. When the locking mechanism 375 is engaged, the apparatus 300 is prevented from closing during repositioning, thus mitigating the risk of the apparatus closing along the hinges 340, 345 inadvertently. The apparatus 300 is shown as octagonal in shape to provide multiple access faces 365 for work vehicles to approach the apparatus 300 during work over operations; however, the apparatus 300 is not limited to an octagonal form. As with the opening 170 in the apparatus 100, when the opening 370 is offset from the center of the apparatus 300, the access faces 365 provide different distances between the edges of the top layers 320, 325 and the opening 370, which provides flexibility to the user for controlling the distances between vehicles or structures adjacent to the apparatus 300 and the opening 370. This means that adjusting the placement of the apparatus 300 relative to a well head can avoid a situation where a vehicle has to be parked on the apparatus 300 in order for equipment to be operated or offloaded to reach the opening 370. Rectangular, hexagonal, and other polygonal shapes may be used as would be understood by a person of skill in the art. One or more of the access faces 365 may include attachment plates 390. The attachment plate 390 may act as a connection point for equipment, including an outrigger (see FIG. 5) and equipment used in conjunction with the apparatus 300.

Each of the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 include the top layer 320, 325, which may be supported by multiple layers constructed of materials to support work over equipment, work over stresses, and personnel on the apparatus 300. Correspondingly, the hinges 340, 345 are also constructed of materials designed to endure the same conditions. In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 may be constructed to support at least 200,000 pounds (90.9 metric tons) in order to support the weight of equipment, pull stresses for moving tubulars through a well head, and personnel. In some embodiments, the designed weight supported by apparatus 100 may be increased or decreased based on the desired application.

As shown, each of the portions 310, 315 may include a bottom layer 350 and one or more intermediate layers 355. The layers 310, 315, 350, 355, 360 may be supported by vertical members 360 to provide structural strength. While the top layers 320, 325 may be substantially continuous to prevent equipment or personnel from falling through the apparatus 300, the one or more intermediate layers 355 and the bottom layer 350 may be continuous surfaces or include open areas to reduce the overall mass of the apparatus 300. Substantially continuous surfaces include solid surface and grillwork, which allows airflow but prevents persons and hand tools from falling through. In some embodiments, the layers 310, 315, 350, 355 and the vertical members 360 may be constructed of steel; however, it is contemplated that any sufficiently strong materials to provide the structural strength required is suitable, as would be understood by a person of skill in the art.

FIG. 4A shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the first portion 310 with the top surface 320 facing up from FIG. 3. With the doors 380 removed, the hinges 333 for attaching the doors 380 can be seen. In some embodiments, the doors 380, 385 and hinges 333 are optional. FIG. 4B shows a 3-dimensional diagram of the first portion 310 with the bottom layer 350 up to show the superstructure.

FIG. 5 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of a system 500 including the work over platform apparatus 300 with removable railing 560 surrounding the perimeter of the apparatus 300. The railing 560 is removable in sections to allow equipment to be loaded onto the apparatus 300 while limiting access to the top layers 320, 325. The work over platform apparatus 300 is also shown with an outrigger 510. The outrigger 510 is shown with a tubular body 520 that has an attachment plate 530 that can be connected to one of the attachment plates 390. As shown, the outrigger 510 has two attachment plates 530 that connect to two attachment plates 390 on the face 365; however, this is illustrative and exemplary, as one or more attachment plate combinations 390, 530 may be used to connect the outrigger 510 to the apparatus 300. The outrigger 510 may include multiple tubular segments 540 that fit inside of the tubular body 520 in a telescopic fashion. The end tubular segments 540 may be attached to a counter weight foot pad 550 on each side to provide ground contact between the outrigger 510 and the surface of the ground.

FIG. 6A shows a system 600 with the work over platform apparatus 300 deployed in situ with an outrigger 510. The apparatus 300 is deployed with the hinges 340, 345 perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension of a trench or cellar 610 containing one or more well heads 650 for subterranean wells. The outrigger 510 is attached to the apparatus 300 and positioned so that the foot pads 550 are on the ground or surface on opposite sides of the cellar 610. A vehicle 620 is shown backed up to one of the faces 165 such that working equipment 630, such as a work over rig, may be deployed over the surface of the apparatus 300. As shown, the working equipment 630 is supported by the apparatus 300. The working equipment 630 may have extendable stabilizers 640 to make contact with the apparatus 300 and support the working equipment 630. Besides the foot pads 550, the outrigger 510 may include additional tie down points or pads for attaching securing lines from the working equipment 630. In some embodiments, the outrigger 510 may enhance the stability of the apparatus 300.

FIG. 6B shows a top view of the apparatus 300 as depicted in FIG. 6A. The outrigger 510 may include one or more intermediate foot pads 660 to distribute the weight of the outrigger 510 and to provide a greater range of attachment points for the working equipment 630. When part of the cellar 610 has a cover 680, it may be possible for one or more of the intermediate foot pads 660 to rest on the cover 680. As shown, securing lines 670 are attached between the working equipment 630 and the intermediate foot pads 660. In some embodiments, the securing lines 670 may be attached between the working equipment 630 and the foot pads 550 either in addition to or in the alternative to the securing lines 670 between the working equipment 630 and the intermediate foot pads 660.

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of another work over platform apparatus 700 with a rectangular opening 770. Similar to the apparatuses 100 and 300, the apparatus 700 includes a first portion 710 and a second portion 715, though of different shapes from the first portion 110 and the second portion 115 to provide a differently shaped opening 770. In some embodiments, the first portion 710 and the second portion 715 are symmetrical with one another. The first portion 710 includes a top working surface 720 with a cutout section 730. The cutout section 730 is shown as a rectangle that is more elongated than the opening 370. The second portion 715 also includes a top working surface 725 with a cutout section 735. The cutout sections 730, 735 are configured to complement one another and form the opening 770 through the apparatus 700 when the first portion 710 and the second portion 715 are aligned to form a planar surface. In some embodiments, the planar surface may be defined by the top working surface 720 of the first portion 710 and the top working surface 725 of the second portion 715. The opening 770 may be in the center of the apparatus 700 or offset. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that the opening 770 may be offset such that only the first portion 710 has a cutout 730, and that cutout 735 is not present in the second portion 715. This single cutout concept may be applied to the apparatus 100 and the apparatus 300 as well. The first portion may include openings 780 configured to receive fasteners for one or more covers (not shown) that can block part of the opening 770. Similarly, the second portion 715 may include openings 785 configured to receive fasteners for one or more covers (not shown) that can block a part of the opening 770. In some embodiments, the opening 770 may be completely blocked when all of the covers are in place. The covers may be in place or removed as desired to control the degree of access through the apparatus 700.

The apparatus 700 includes a hinge system attached to and between the first portion 710 and the second portion 715. The hinge system, shown on FIG. 7, includes a first hinge 740 and may include an optional second hinge 745. When the first hinge 740 and the second hinge 745 are present, they are disposed or positioned opposite one another on either side of the center of the opening 770. The first hinge 740 is shown as shorter in length than the second hinge 745; however, the first hinge 740 and the second hinge 745 may be the same or different lengths. The varying lengths of the hinges 740, 745 may depend on whether the opening 770 is in the center of the apparatus 700 or offset. While the hinges 740, 745 are shown extending from an edge of the opening 770 to an edge of the combine portions 710, 715, it is also contemplated that, in some embodiments, one or both of the hinges 740, 745 may not extend to full distance between the edge of the opening 770 and the respective edge of the combined portion 710, 715. In some embodiments, the hinges 740, 745 may include the same arrangement of components as the hinges 140, 145. The hinges 740, 745 may be covered by protective covers similar to the protective covers 396, 398 when the apparatus 700 is in an open position with the portions 740, 745 lying flat.

Locking mechanism 775 may be disposed on the first portion 710 and the second portion 715 adjacent to the hinges 740, 745 and configured to receive a locking pin 260, just as the locking mechanism 175 to lock the hinges 740, 745 in an open position when the apparatus 700 is deployed. When the locking mechanism 775 is engaged, the apparatus 700 is prevented from closing during repositioning, thus mitigating the risk of the apparatus closing along the hinges 740, 745 inadvertently. Lifting lugs (or similar attaching means) 795 are provided around the perimeter of the first portion 710 and the second portion 715 to provide connection locations for a crane to reposition or otherwise move the apparatus 700. These lifting lugs 795 may be used with the apparatus 100 and the apparatus 300 as well. The apparatus 700 is shown as octagonal in shape to provide multiple access faces 765 for work vehicles to approach the apparatus 700 during work over operations; however, the apparatus 700 is not limited to an octagonal form. As with the openings 170, 370 in the apparatuses 100, 300, respectively, when the opening 770 is offset from the center of the apparatus 700, the access faces 765 provide different distances between the edges of the top layers 720, 725 and the opening 770, which provides flexibility to the user for controlling the distances between vehicles or structures adjacent to the apparatus 700 and the opening 770. This means that adjusting the placement of the apparatus 700 relative to a well head can avoid a situation where a vehicle has to be parked on the apparatus 700 in order for equipment to be operated or offloaded to reach the opening 770. One or more of the access faces 765 may include attachment plates 790. The attachment plate 790 may act as a connection point for equipment, including an outrigger (see FIG. 5) and equipment used in conjunction with the apparatus 700.

In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 may be constructed to support at least 200,000 pounds (90.9 metric tons) in order to support the weight of equipment, pull stresses for moving tubulars through a well head, and personnel. In some embodiments, the designed weight supported by apparatus 100 may be increased or decreased based on the desired application. As shown, each of the portions 710, 715 may include bottom layers 350, intermediate layers 355, and vertical layers 360 as shown for the apparatus 300. 755.

FIG. 8 shows a flow chart of a method 800 for conducting a work over operation using the work over platform apparatus 300. In step 805, the apparatus 300 may be transported to a work site using a vehicle. Due to the compact size and light weight of the apparatus 300, the transportation to the work site may be accomplished by a single vehicle, such as a flatbed trailer truck. In step 810, the apparatus 300 may be offloaded from the vehicle using a single lifting device, such as a crane. The lifting operation moves the apparatus 300 as a single unit into position to straddle the cellar 610. In step 815, the hinges 340, 345 may be opened to the fully open position so that both the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 lay flat across the cellar 610. In step 820, the hinges 340, 345 may be locked to an open position by inserting a locking pin 260 into the locking mechanism 375. In step 825, the apparatus 300 may be moved to align the opening 370 over a well head or other desired work area in the cellar 610. If the initial placement of the apparatus in step 810 is acceptable for the work over operation, then step 825 may be optional. In step 830, the safety rails 560 may be inserted in one or more positions along the perimeter of the apparatus 300. In some embodiments, at least one face 365 will be left open to provide easy access onto the top layer 320, 325 of the apparatus 300. In step 835, the outrigger 510 may be optionally attached to the apparatus 300 by connecting one or more attachment plates 390 on the apparatus 300 to one or more corresponding attachment plates 530 on the outrigger 510. In some embodiments, steps 830 and 835 may occur in different order or at the same time. In step 840, the apparatus 300 supports equipment, personnel, and work over operations for the well. When the opening 370 is not in use, the doors 380, 385 (if so equipped) maybe placed in the closed position if desired. In step 845, after the completion of the work over operation, the outrigger 510 may be disconnected from the apparatus 300. In step 850, the apparatus 300 may be repositioned over a next well head. In step 855, the outrigger 510 may be reconnected to the apparatus 300. In step 860, the apparatus 300 supports equipment, personnel and work over operations for the next well. In step 865, the outrigger 510 may be disconnected from the apparatus 300. In some embodiments, steps 850-865 maybe repeated for additional well heads. In some embodiments, steps 850-865 are optional. In step 870, the safety rails 560 may be removed. In step 875, the locking pin 260 is removed from the locking mechanism 375. In step 880, the apparatus 300 is moved to a closed position by closing the hinges 340, 345 until the top layer 320 of the first portion 310 and the top layer 325 of the second portion 315 are facing each other. In some embodiments, the first portion 310 and the second portion 315 are parallel when the platform 300 is in the closed position. In step 885, the apparatus 300 may be loaded onto a transport vehicle using a single crane or other lifting equipment. In step 890, the transport vehicle may move the apparatus 300 away from the work site. Method 800 may also be conducted using the apparatus 100 or the apparatus 700.

FIG. 9 shows a diagram of another work over platform apparatus 900 similar to the work over platform apparatus 700; however the openings 780, 785 are not present. The opening 770 may be covered by one or more cover plates that rest on the first portion 710 and/or the second portion 715 at their respective cutout sections 730, 735. The covers may include a right cover plate 980 with a cutout section 981, a left cover plate 985 with a cutout section 986, and one or more spacer cover plates 987. The right and left cover plates 980, 985 are configured to form an opening 990 when their respective cutout sections 981, 986 are aligned. The number and position of the spacer cover plates 987 relative to the right and left cover plates 980, 985 may be adjusted to change the position of the opening 990, which allows access through the platform 900 while most of the opening 770 is remains covered, rather than having the entire opening 770 uncovered throughout operations. The flexibility provided by the spacer cover plates 987 eliminates the need to reposition the platform 100 or open multiple sets of doors to access the well head 650 through the platform 300. The opening 990 is dimensioned such that the wellhead 650 may be accessed through the opening 990. The opening 990 is shown as circular; however, this is exemplary and illustrative only, as the opening 990 may be another shape, such as rectangular, square, octagonal, etc.

FIG. 10 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of a work over apparatus 1000 that includes the work over apparatus 900 with outriggers 1010 attached to the attachment plates 790. The outriggers 1010 perform a similar function as the outriggers 510; however, the outriggers 1010 are shaped to reduce to allow two or more outriggers to be used with the apparatus 1000 on adjacent sides while still allowing vehicles to access the apparatus 1000. The outrigger 1010 is shown with a tubular body 1020 that includes a bend 1025 that bends in a direction away from the work over apparatus 900 when attached to the work over apparatus 900. The tubular body 1020 also includes an attachment plate 1030 that can be connected to one of the attachment plates 790. As shown, the outrigger 1010 has two attachment plates 1030 that connect to two attachment plates 790 on the face 765; however, this is illustrative and exemplary, as one or more attachment plate combinations 790, 1030 may be used to connect the outrigger 1010 to the apparatus 900. The outrigger 1010 may include one or more tubular segments 1040 that fit inside of the tubular body 1020 in a telescopic fashion and are extendable. In some embodiments, the one or more tubular segments 1040 fit inside the tubular body 1020 up to the bend 1025. One of the one or more tubular segments 1040 may be attached to the counter weight foot pad 1050 (shown in FIG. 5) to provide ground contact between the outrigger 1010 and the surface of the ground. The intermediate foot pad 660 may be, optionally, attached to one of the one or more tubular segments 1040 to distribute the weight of the outrigger 1010 and to provide a greater range of attachment points for the working equipment 630, 1230 a, 1230 b (see FIG. 12). Accessibility to the platform by vehicles is greatly improved in view of the spider leg outrigger design.

FIG. 11 shows a 3-dimensional diagram of a system 1100 of two work over platforms 1000 a, 1000 b, which are identical to work over platform 1000. The system 1100 is positioned over the cellar 610. The work over platform 1000 a is positioned with its respective outriggers 1010 a on one side of the cellar 610, and the work over platform 1000 b is positioned with its respective outriggers 1010 b on the other side of the cellar 610. As shown, the foot pads 1050 and or intermediate foot pads 660 may be positioned over the cellar 610. By alternating the outrigger facing of the work over platforms 1000 a, 1000 b, the work over platforms 1000 a, 1000 b side-by-side such that openings 990 a, 990 b are over adjacent well heads 650 so that adjacent well heads 650 can be worked simultaneously.

FIG. 12 shows a system 1200 with the system 1100 deployed in situ with vehicles 1220 a, 1220 b is shown backed up to each of the work over apparatuses 1000 a, 1000 b such that working equipment 1230 a, 1230 b such as work over rigs, may be deployed over the surface of the apparatuses 1000 a, 1000 b. As shown, the working equipment 1230 a, 1230 b may be supported by the respective apparatuses 1000 a, 1000 b. As shown, securing lines 1270 are attached between each of the working equipment 1230 a, 1230 b and the respective foot pads 1050 of the outriggers 1010 a, 1010 b. In some embodiments, the securing lines 1270 a, 1270 b may be attached between the working equipment 1230 a, 1230 b and the respective intermediate foot pads 660 attached to the outriggers 1010 a, 1010 b either in addition to or in the alternative to the securing lines 1270 a, 1270 b between the working equipment 1230 a, 1230 b and the intermediate foot pads 660.

FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of a method 1300 for conducting a work over operation using the work over platform system 1100, which involves individual platforms 1000 a, 1000 b that have the elements of the platform 1000. Many of the steps of method 800 may be used for deploying or closing down the individual platforms 1000 a, 1000 b. In step 1310, the first platform 1000 a is set up over trench or cellar 610. In step 1320, the second platform 1000 b is set up over the trench or cellar 610 in a position adjacent to the first platform 1000 a. In some embodiments, adjacency of the platforms 1000 a, 1000 b means that adjacent well heads 650 may be worked at the same time with each of the platforms 1000 a, 1000 b over one of the adjacent well heads 650. The steps 1310 and 1320 may include one or more of steps 805-830 for each of the platforms 1000 a, 1000 b. In step 1330, the pair of outriggers 1010 a is attached to the first platform 1000 a at the attachment points 790 a. In step 1340, the pair of outriggers 1010 b is attached to the second platform 1000 b at the attachment points 790 b. The attachment points 790 b are selected so that the outriggers 1010 b will not interfere with or cross the outriggers 1010 a. Attaching the pairs of outriggers 1010 a, 1010 b opposite each other allows the platforms 1000 a, 1000 b to be deployed over adjacent well heads 650 while maintaining approaches for vehicles 1220 a, 1220 b to access the platforms 1000 a, 1000 b with working equipment 1230 a, 1230 b. In step 1350, the working equipment 1230 a be may be set up at the first platform 1000 a including operations through the first platform opening 770 a and securing lines 1270 a to the outriggers 1010 a. In step 1360, the working equipment 1230 b be may be set up at the second platform 1000 b including operations through the second platform opening 770 b and securing lines 1270 b to the outriggers 1010 b. In step 1370, the plurality of cover plates 980, 985, 987 for the first platform 1000 a are used to form the first platform cover plate opening 990 a over the first well head 650. In step 1380, the plurality of cover plates 980, 985, 987 for the second platform 1000 b are used to form the second platform cover plate opening 990 b over the second well head 650. In steps 1370 and 1380, the cover plates 980, 985, 987 may be positioned by forming the cover plate opening 990 a, 990 b and then adding the spacer cover plates 980 to fill in the portions of the openings 770 a, 770 b remaining to either side of the combined first and second plates 980, 985. In some embodiments, the openings 770 a, 770 b may be of different shapes and/or sizes, and the respective cover plates 980, 985, 987 may be dimensioned to fit their respective openings 770 a, 770 b. In step 1390, work over operations are performed through the first platform cover plate opening 990 a and the second platform cover plate opening 990 b independently and simultaneously. The platforms 1000 a, 1000 b may then be removed following the applicable sub steps 865-890 as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Some of the above steps may be performed out of order or in parallel as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art.

While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it would be understood that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications will be appreciated to adapt a particular instrument, situation or material to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An accessible work over platform system for installation over a trench, comprising: a first platform comprising: a first platform first portion having a first platform first cutout; a first platform second portion having a first platform second cutout; and a first platform hinge system disposed between the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion; wherein the first platform first cutout and the first platform second cutout form a first platform opening through the first platform when the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion are aligned to form a first platform planar surface; and a second platform disposed adjacent to the first platform, the second platform comprising: a second platform first portion having a second platform first cutout; a second platform second portion having a second platform second cutout; and a second platform hinge system disposed between the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion; wherein the second platform first cutout and the second platform second cutout form a second platform opening through the second platform when the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion are aligned to form a second platform planar surface.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the hinge systems comprises: a first hinge disposed on one side of the opening; and a second hinge disposed on the other side of the opening.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the platforms is collapsible along their respective hinge system.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first portion and second portion of each of the platforms are polygonal in shape when each of the first portions and the second portions form respective planar surfaces.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the platforms further comprises: one or more attachment plates attached to at least one of the polygonal sides of the platform; a pair of outriggers each attached to a set of the one or more attachment plates.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein each of the pair of outriggers comprises: a tubular section with a bend attached to the set of one or more attachment plates; a telescoping section configured to extend from the tubular section in a spider leg design; and a foot pad disposed on the telescoping section.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising; a plurality of first platform cover plates configured to cover the opening of the first platform; and a plurality of second platform cover plates configured to cover the opening of the second platform.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein each of the pluralities of cover plates comprises: a first cover plate with a first cutout; a second cover plate with a second cutout, wherein the first and second cutouts form a cover plate opening when aligned; and one or more spacer cover plates, disposed adjacent to but not between the first cover plate and the second cover plate.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first platform opening and the second platform opening has a center that is offset from a center of its respective first or second platform.
 10. The system of claim 1, where the trench comprises an oil field cellar.
 11. The system of claim 1, where the first platform opening has the same shape and size as the second platform opening.
 12. A method of using a work over platform system on a trench, the work over platform system comprising: a first platform comprising: a first platform first portion having a first platform first cutout; a first platform second portion having a first platform second cutout, where the first platform first portion and first platform second portion are polygonal in shape when each of the first platform first portions and the first platform second portions form respective planar surfaces; a first platform hinge system disposed between the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion, where the first platform first cutout and the first platform second cutout form first platform opening through the first platform when the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion are aligned to form a first platform planar surface; one or more first platform attachment plates attached to at least one of the polygonal sides of each of the first platform first portion and the first platform second portion; and a pair of first platform outriggers each attached to a set of the one or more first platform attachment plates; and a second platform comprising: a second platform first portion having a second platform first cutout; a second platform second portion having a second platform second cutout, where the second platform first portion and second platform second portion are polygonal in shape when each of the second platform first portions and the second platform second portions form respective second platform planar surfaces; a second platform hinge system disposed between the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion, where the second platform first cutout and the second platform second cutout form a second platform opening through the second platform when the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion are aligned to form a second platform planar surface; one or more second platform attachment plates attached to at least one of the polygonal sides of each of the second platform first portion and the second platform second portion; and a pair of second platform outriggers each attached to a set of the one or more second platform attachment plates; the method comprising: setting up the first platform over the trench; setting up the second platform over the trench and adjacent to the first platform; attaching the pair of first platform outriggers to the set of one or more first platform attachment plates; attaching the pair of second platform outriggers to the set of one or more second platform attachment plates, where the set of one or more second platform attachment plates on the second platform are facing the opposite side the second platform relative to the set of one or more first platform attachment plates; setting up work over equipment using the first platform opening; setting up work over equipment using the second platform opening; positioning a plurality of first platform cover plates over the first platform opening to form a first cover plate opening; and positioning a plurality of second platform cover plates over the second platform opening to form a second cover plate opening.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: performing work over operations through the first cover plate opening and the second cover plate opening simultaneously.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of setting up the first platform comprises: moving the first platform to the trench; moving the first platform hinge system to an open position to form the first platform opening; locking the first platform hinge system into the open position; positioning the first platform opening over a first well head in the trench; and wherein the step of setting up the second platform comprises: moving the second platform to the trench; moving the second platform hinge system to an open position to form the second platform opening; locking the second platform hinge system into the open position; and positioning the second platform opening over a second well head in the trench.
 15. The method of claim 12, the method further comprising: unlocking the first platform hinge system; moving the first platform hinge system into a closed position; unlocking the second platform hinge system; and moving the second platform hinge system into a closed position. 